Employment Opportunities

This is an excellent opportunity for people who want to help families in need!

We seek people who have had personal experience (not work related) as a primary caregiver of a loved one with substance use challenges.

We offer remote work, flexible schedules and full benefits package!

Who We Are

Founded in 1999, Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF) is a statewide nonprofit with a central office in Columbia, Md., and staff located in communities throughout the state. Using personal experience as parents, caregivers, youth, and other loved ones, we connect, support, and empower Maryland’s families. Our staff provide one-to-one support to parents and caregivers of people with mental health, substance use or gambling issues. We also advocate to improve systems that impact individuals with behavioral health challenges.

Overview

Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF) has a full-time (40 hours/week) position for a Family Peer Support Specialist (FPSS) to serve families in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties who have a loved one with substance use challenges. The candidate must have personal experience (not work experience) as a primary caregiver of a loved one with substance use challenges. After training and orientation, the Family Peer Support Specialist will provide family-to-family support, education, advocacy, coaching, information, referrals and follow-up to families seeking assistance.

Family Peer Support Specialist Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide education and support to family members or other loved ones on behalf of someone with substance use or problem gambling challenges to assist with negotiating their way through the social, legal, educational and health care systems.
• Facilitate a process for families to develop a plan to: clarify the problem(s); provide emotional support; identify needs and strengths; and identify resources including appropriate levels of services, entitlements, community resources and other natural supports.
• Assist families and other loved ones in building their own community based support network, and ensure that their goals are integrated into one unified plan as necessary.
• Facilitate families and other loved ones accessing supports and services by: sharing information about resources and supports; making phone calls to connect families and other loved ones with resources; providing guidance in completing forms and applications; reviewing documents or reports with families and other loved ones to ensure they fully understand documents; and accompanying them to meetings.
• Support families and other loved ones to fully understand their rights, educate them on laws, policies and procedures, and empower families and other loved ones to effectively articulate their concerns and needs.
• Assist with outreach and education activities for the Good Samaritan Ambassador Program to increase awareness and understanding of the Good Samaritan Law, including conducting outreach to new families previously unconnected to MCF’s work.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with agencies and providers of services related to substance use and problem gambling.
• Administrative duties.

Family Peer Support Specialist Qualifications

• Lived (personal, not work related) experience as a caregiver, other family member, or loved one of an individual with substance use is required.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Seeking a person who lives in Prince George’s or Montgomery County.
• Prior experience assisting other families and loved ones to obtain appropriate services and supports for their child and family members is desirable.
• Familiarity with state and local resources and knowledge of how to access them.
• Willingness and strong ability to build and maintain partnerships with agencies and providers.
• Active listening skills for providing non-judgmental peer support and engagement to families.
• Proficient computer skills including internet research and use of a database.
• Current Maryland driver’s license and access to own vehicle; some in-state travel required.
• Successful completion of a background check. 

Hours/Compensation

• Full-time, 40 hours per week.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Salary is $17.00 per hour with full benefits package.

To apply

To be considered for this position, you must submit (along with your resume) a cover letter describing your personal experience as the primary caregiver or loved one of an individual with substance use challenges. Please provide details regarding what services and resources you have used to support your loved one.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please note that mailed or faxed resumes will not be considered. No phone calls please. 

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